Chattanooga City Council gives Mayor Andy Berke's budget first approval

Chattanooga City Council gives Mayor Andy Berke's budget first approval

With a 9-0 vote tonight, City Council members approved the first reading of Mayor Andy Berke's $212 million budget.

A budget that will add 40 officers on the street, a federal prosecutor and a program to rid the city of vacant and dilapidated homes in neighborhoods will go before the council for a final vote next week.

"A vote for this budget is a vote for safer streets," Berke told the council. "We appreciate the council giving us a little extra time to present a budget we are proud of."

The council also amended the budget adding more than $2.5 million to the city's road paving project.